• Select your music in advance and bring it with you (on IPod, Smartphone, or CD) to your first wedding dance lesson. Your instructor will listen to it, and advise you of what options you have for the type or types of wedding dance that match it. We are experts at thinking ‘outside-the-box’ when it comes to adapting conventional ballroom steps to perfectly suit our couples’ special song.

 

• Check out your reception hall in advance. Let your instructor know the dimensions of the dance floor, and which sides of the dance floor will have guest tables bordering. These factors influence the entrance and exit, and even the style of your first dance (if the floor is small).  

 

• Talk with your D.J. or band well in advance of your special day, to make sure you agree on exactly what arrangement of your chosen song will be played. Rhythms and tempos can vary significantly. Don't be surprised during your wedding dance on your big day!

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• Give some careful thought to the clothing and footwear you'll be wearing during your first dance. Be sure your wedding attire will not hinder your ability to dance. Some wedding dresses and dress suits or tuxedos can be quite restrictive, so it is good to practice in clothing that will be similar to what you'll be wearing at your reception.

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• Brides sometimes like to wear a petticoat over jeans for their wedding dance lessons. It might feel a little unusual, but it will give you a preview of what your gown will feel like when it swirls around your ankles!

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• The shoes you wear for your wedding dance lessons should also be as similar as possible to those you plan to wear at your reception. Some brides cover the tops of their wedding shoes with clear plastic wrap and secure the wrap to the bottom of the shoe with duct tape. The non-sticky side of the duct tape generally provides adequate traction for your first dance lessons. Ballroom dance supply stores carry clear elastic bands that you can purchase and slip on over the instep of your shoes if the style you have chosen is not staying on your foot well while dancing. If you plan far enough in advance and are so inclined, you can purchase special dance shoes that are comfortable, won't slip off your feet, and provide some support. Ballroom shoes are available for men and women, and they are made in attractive styles. Couples, please feel free to ask for a list of where to shop for appropriate footwear. Do this NOW, because ordering can take a while.

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• Determine whether group wedding dance (invite the bridal party!), private wedding dance lessons (help Mom and Dad prep for the father daughter or mother son dances), or a combination of the two will be the best choice for your particular needs. With sufficient time, you can learn to do a wedding waltz in a ballroom dance program, and start a 'couples' activity that will last a lifetime.

 

• If you're starting your wedding dance lessons well ahead of time (recommended!), a series of group classes will give you a broad exposure to various dances. This enhances the couples’ ability to dance to many different songs at the reception. If you only want to develop one first dance or pressed for time, private lessons are the best choice. The material you learn can be customized in private wedding dance lessons that work well with your schedule.

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• Ideally, you would register for group classes with as much advance notice as possible, and then supplement your classes with a series of private lessons. The number of private wedding dance lessons required will vary based on how complex you want your dance to be. Most couples who want a simple yet polished dance find that a five-lesson wedding dance lessons package is sufficient. In five lessons, we can usually do a simple entrance, get you moving around the floor, and add a polished ending. 

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Your next step is to book a FREE Consult and Mini-Lesson with Karen. There is no obligation, so there's no reason to wait! Call now: (603) 622-1500 or write karen@queencityballroomnh.com.

 

​Learn & See More:

 

• Wedding Dance

• Get Started FREE!

• Wedding Dance Testimonials

• The QCB 'First Dance' Wedding Gallery